Western Forest Products closes Vancouver Island plant

The announcement came on Wednesday and follows WFP’s plan to strengthen the company through recapitalization and consolidation.

WFP’s goal is to become a global competitor, according to a statement.

The statement also mentions that all employees of the consolidated South Vancouver Island plant have either received compensation or been located to other facilities within WFP.

WFP also consolidated its sawmills in Nanaimo, B.C. in October 2014. President and CEO Don Demens said that the decision was also part of the strategy to make WFP more competitive worldwide.

“This strategy involves the evaluation of new market programs and operating configurations designed to improve our operating results," Demens said.

According to the company, “Since 2011, Western has invested over $260 million in recapitalizing its coastal operations, including more than $94 million in strategic investments towards upgrading technology, with a focus on reducing costs while maintaining product flexibility.”